In a filing with the FCC, Google outlined its idea for a National Broadband Plan. Google believes that all American households should have access, by 2012, to at least 5 Mbps upload and download speeds over broadband. The company submitted four proposals to help advance this vision:
- Install broadband fiber as part of every federally-funded infrastructure project. Google argues that laying fiber -- or even simply installing the conduit for later fiber deployment -- during the construction or repair of roads and other public works projects will dramatically reduce deployment costs.
- Deploy broadband fiber to every library, school, community health care center, and public housing facility in the United States to help alleviate the digital divide.
- Create incentives for providers to install multiple lines of fiber as new networks are rolled out. The unused fibers could in turn be leased or sold to other network operators, increasing competition along with deployment.
- Encourage greater wireless broadband and reduce barriers to deployment. Google believes the FCC should encourage use of unlicensed devices in "white spaces" spectrum by eliminating unnecessary requirements and easing interference standards in rural areas where no actual harmful interference would occur.
